Homophobic parents couldn’t put a damper gay and lesbian students for their prom! | Source: Shutterstock

A group of homophobic parents and one homophobic teacher–who didn’t even teach at the school or in the town in question–tried to block LGBTQ students from going to prom. Dude, WTF?

But! The school principal and awesome students didn’t let that happen. Did we mention the students are awesome? Because they’re awesome.

Here’s what happened.

On Sunday night, a group of students, parents and staff from Sullivan High School in Indiana met at a church to discuss whether gay and lesbian students should be allowed to walk in the march to prom. Some people (including a few particularly zealous students) opposed this, but the principal, David Springer, told them, “Anyone should be allowed to go to the prom. Of course, a girl could go out with another girl or if they didn’t have a date or that was their choice.”

That led to another group pretty much being like, “Well eff that then, we’ll have our own prom without those pesky homosexuals!”

A teacher from another school–dude, why was she even there?–actually said, when asked if she thinks homosexuals have a purpose in life (uh, what kind of question is that?), “No, I honestly don’t. Sorry, but I don’t. I don’t understand it.” Yeah, she obviously doesn’t–because she’s regarding them as some bizarre “other” as opposed to people and human beings who just happen to like making out with people who have the same equipment down there. What difference does it make?

Thankfully, just about everyone realized that this woman is clearly an idiot, and even the church came out and was like, “Uh, no.”

“Our church has no involvement in this whatsoever. It’s a community thing where people have met here,” the church pastor Dale Wise said.

Students agreed. “You should be able to go with whoever you want. You shouldn’t be discriminated against for what you are, what you believe in,” Sullivan High School junior Emily Butler said. Smart girl!

Another student had certain conditions for gay and lesbian students to attend prom, but we sort of think these should apply to everyone: “As long as they aren’t sitting there and kissing on the dance floor and grinding on each other, stuff like that, I don’t have a problem with that, I don’t see what’s wrong with it. Prom is for everybody. It’s a high school experience.”

Be honest: No one really wants to see anyone else, male or female, gay or straight, making out or dry humping on a dance floor. Or anywhere else other than a video feed on a laptop in the privacy of their own homes. Let’s not have double standards here, sweetie.

Meetings are still being held to determine whether a separate, “no homo” event will be held.

Listen, if you don’t agree with homosexuality, that’s your right. But to treat homosexuals, who science has proved time and again are born that way (you go, Gaga),  like second class citizens in a public school–paid for by taxes by both straight and LGBTQ people, because, well, taxes are universal–is not only ignorant, but also simply morally and possibly legally wrong. If you want purely heterosexual proms, go to a private school and pay for it yourselves.

Do you think the homophobic parents in this story are right or wrong to want to ban gay and lesbian students from prom? Would you have a separate prom if you knew gay and lesbians students would be at your prom? Do you think a separate prom should be held for only heterosexual students? Do you think gay and lesbian students are being discriminated against in this story? Tell us in the comments!

Are you homophobic? Then you might be gay. No, seriously.

And don’t forget to follow us on Twitter!

Chick-Fil-A lost a really loyal customer in Jackson Pearce. | Source

Writer and super-awesome YouTube personality Jackson Pearce has a solution to Chick-Fil-A’s homophobia–go to Chick-Fil-A on August 1st and order only a large cup of water.

Sounds crazy, but it’s brilliant. Here’s why: On August 1 (tomorrow!), conservative politician Mike Huckabee wants all supporters of Chick-Fil-A’s “biblical” stance on marriage to go eat there and give ‘em some more money to donate to homophobic causes.

As you might remember, Chick-Fil-A came under fire when the Jim Henson Company–and the Muppets!–pulled out of a toy deal with the restaurant chain because they donate to anti-gay causes and organizations. Since then, a lot of LGBT-friendly groups and people (including us!) have stopped dining out at Chick-Fil-A, because eating there is, in essence, giving money to hate. But Jackson Pearce has an even better idea: Instead of simply not giving money to hate, why not take some money away from it, too?

No no, she’s not telling you to hold up or rob a Chick-Fil-A. That would land you in jail, and jail is not exactly a cute place to be. Instead, she urges you to go to Chick-Fil-A on August 1 and order just a large water. It’ll cost you nothing, but it’ll cost the company a few cents every time someone does it. Less money going to hate groups! She cites the very same Bible that Chick-Fil-A president Dan Cathy does when she says, “If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat; if he is thirsty, give him water to drink.” That’s from Proverbs 25:21. She says that if the Chick-Fil-A employees tell you that you need to order a meal, to simply cite Proverbs 25:21 to see how committed they are to all aspects of the Bible.

“To me, the traditional family is one where the members love and support one another,” she said. “It has nothing to do with color, or ethnicity, or shared blood or sexuality or gender.” We love this girl.

Dan Cathy says he’s just living his life according to the bible–and that the bible says gay marriage is wrong. Our Friend Jackson has something to say about that: “If I supported the ‘Biblical definition of marriage,’ I would keep my mouth shut about that. Because the Biblical definition of marriage involves a man and typically more than one woman, and as many concubines as he wants to hire. Biblically, a man is required to marry the woman he rapes, and ladies, if you can’t prove you’re a virgin on your wedding night, you’re gonna get stoned.” And to be clear–she means “stoned” as in “punished by rock throwing,” not the Pineapple Express kind. She also notes that nowhere in the Bible is a woman’s consent required to marry. Scary, right?

One of our favorite moments is when she says, “To me, the traditional family is one where the members love and support one another,” she said. “It has nothing to do with color, or ethnicity, or shared blood or sexuality or gender.” We love this girl. Watch her whole super-clever video now:

What she’s pointing out is that often when people cite the Bible to deny others legal rights, they often only cite the parts of the Bible that they like and agree with–and ignore the rest. Sort of like this dude:

Source

While we support everyone’s right to stand up for what they believe in, if Dan Cathy and Chick-Fil-A cite the Bible as their reasons for supporting hate, they should, ostensibly, support the rest of the Bible’s principles. Because if they only pick and choose what to believe based on what allows them to support hate, that would make them, well, hypocrites. And according to the Bible, God and Jesus really didn’t like those.

Will you order a large water at Chick-Fil-A tomorrow (August 1)? Do you support Chick-Fil-A’s stance on gay marriage or do you not care? Do you think Chick-Fil-A will lose business because of their gay marriage stance? Have you or a friend stopped eating at Chick-Fil-A because of their homophobic donations? Tell us in the comments!

Here’s One Company That DOES Support Gay Rights. Love Them!

Catch Us On The Tweet Side

Gay or straight he’s still Jacob to me. | Credit: Lia Toby/WENN.com

* “Talks gay,” says homosexual source. “Fashion-obsessed,” says another.
* Dined with legendary gay superheroes Gus Van Zant and Dustin Lance Black.
* “Looks gay,” says heterosexual source.”

This is hardly evidence, just gossip. What I don’t understand is why Gawker or anyone else thinks this is any of our business? As far I am concerned it’s super gross and intrusive. I understand that it’s always significant when a celebrity comes out (like the awesome Neil Patrick Harris) because it sends a very positive message to those struggling with their own sexuality. It makes being LGBT seem more common, less scary, and certainly less big of a deal.

However, if someone wants to keep their private life private that is none of our business. What if Taylor is gay? Maybe he would be more likely to come out, which would help lots of people, if there wasn’t all this drama and gossip surrounding it. Media speculation of “possibly gay” celebs turns them into circus freaks. It’s pointing a finger at them and instructing others to do the same–it’s a kind of bullying.

Even if Gawker is saying Taylor might be gay and that being gay isn’t bad, they’re still sensationalizing something that really wouldn’t be that big of a deal. Not to mention they’re insinuating that there is a list of qualifications that make you gay. Talking gay? Really? Looking gay? WTF? Way to make someone feel self-conscious when they’re just being themselves.

When people play a guessing game about your life it will inevitably feel like they are judging you. Which is the last way you want someone who hasn’t come out yet to feel. Never mind the fact that he very well may not be gay at all. If he isn’t, what is he supposed to do? Butch it up so people will stop gossiping about him?

At the end of the day which actors are gay makes no difference–their job is to act like someone else not themselves. What they do off camera is no one’s business as long as they aren’t hurting anyone else and happy.

If you’re young and gay and dealing with nasty bullying or rumors, never be afraid to reach out for help. The awesome counselors at The Trevor Project are a fantastic resource, and will keep whatever you say confidential. Check their site here, or call the Trevor Lifeline at 1-866-488-7386.

Do you think it’s OK to speculate whether someone is gay or not? Let us know in the comments!

How to get laid: Don't be homophobic or stupid. | Source: TMZ

A 14-year-old radio host named Caiden Cowger from West Virginia–because apparently static, white noise, and nails on a chalkboard may have been over the station’s budget–is coming under some well-deserved fire for making some of the most ignorant, idiotic, and homophobic remarks we’ve ever heard. We’re not going to embed his video here because we don’t need to proliferate his stupidity any further, but we will comment on some of his rants.

In the beginning of his clip, Cowger fumes, “I see younger people that is turning out to be homosexuals.”

Really, broski? Aside from the obvious fact that people don’t “turn into” homosexuals, this kid just sounds like an imbecile. Lesson numero uno in how to get laid: Speak your own native language properly. We see younger people that are likely turning out to be borderline illiterate. Does this kid hear himself?

Cowger adds,”There’s about 30 teenagers in this county that I’m at that are homosexuals.”

Lesson number two in how to get laid: Learn math. Chances are, since 1 in 10 people are homosexual, either Cowger’s town has a really small adolescent population, or there are a lot more homosexual teens in his town than he thinks. And homophobic attitudes like this may be why: When people are ignorant, stupid, and intolerant, it makes it hard for homosexuals to live normal lives openly.

Cowger even says that though bullying is wrong, bullying homosexuals “in the name of God” is okay, because if they don’t repent, they’ll go to Hell. So by this dude’s standards, homophobic harassment and violence are fine if they’re in line to convert people to your religious beliefs. So does that mean he was cool with the terrorist attacks on 9/11?

Lesson three in how to get laid: I dunno. “Don’t be an asshole?”

He goes on to say that homosexuals are “perverted” and “immoral,” but what’s really perverted is how obsessed this guy is with other people’s sex lives. You got something you’re hiding, kid?

The biggest lesson in how to get laid? Worry about your own sex life and you won’t have time to go on moronic homophobic rants on the Internet. If Caiden Cowger keeps his mouth shut, he won’t be able to shove his foot–or anything else–into it.

What do you think about Caiden Cowger? What would you do if he asked you out? Would you even be friends with this dude? Tell us in the comments!

Don’t You Think Gay Love Is Stronger Than Hate? We Do!

Change we need indeed! | ShutterStock.com

“I’ve just concluded that for me personally it is important for me to go ahead and affirm that I think same-sex couples should be able to get married,” Obama told ABC News in an interview.

The fact that the president went on national television to endorse same-sex marriage is a massive step in the right direction. I know some of you might be thinking, “Way to be late to the game, Prez.” We say better late than never!

It’s amazing how shows like Glee, Pretty Little Liars, and Modern Family can be a million steps ahead of the law. No one made a big deal out of Kurt and Blaine dating on TV–in fact millions of viewers were stoked when they got together. Can anyone say that Emily and Maya weren’t totally adorable together? Yeah, it’s just a TV show, but they are hugely successful TV shows. That means millions of people are OK with same-sex couples, and that they probably support same-sex marriage, yet we’re only listening to the ones who oppose it? Give me a break.

We know not all of you are psyched about this and that you have your reasons, but we have to say get over it. The constitution entitles everyone to their own opinions and lifestyle–as long as it doesn’t stifle anyone else’s freedom. Keep your views, fine, but can we just LEGALLY stay out of other people’s business?! It is no one’s place to decide who can love who. A ban on same-sex marriage is a ban on love.

Do you support same-sex marriage? Let us know in the comments!

Not everyone is this openminded--but it might not be because they're blindly hating. | Source: Shutterstock

Here’s what’s interesting, though: You know a lot of the politicians and religious leaders you hear about preaching about how bad it is to be gay? A lot of them have been exposed as being secretly gay themselves. And now science has some evidence that says the theory that homophobia stems from one’s own homosexuality may hold some water. That’s right. SCIENCE!

Some crafty scientists did six separate studies of 784 college students. They had the students rate their own sexuality on a 1-10 scale–1 being gay and 10 being super straight (could you imagine how tough that rating has to be to give yourself?!). The students then took a test on a computer where they had to sort images associated with homosexuality and heterosexuality, but there was a twist: the scientists put in subliminal messages. (Those are the kind that you don’t consciously see but still somewhat register in your brain–like back in the day when theaters used to splice split-second pictures of popcorn and soda on the screens in the middle of your movie to encourage you to buy snacks.) The subliminal images used in the study were “me” and “other,” and the study showed that if the word “me” was shown before the category you didn’t lump yourself into (for example, if you labeled yourself as straight, “me” would come before a homosexual image), you sorted it out more quickly.

Kurt was bullied on Glee... By a guy who later tried to kiss him! | Source: Shutterstock

That was generally the trend, except for one group of students who participated. The researchers found that around one in five students who labeled themselves as super straight linked “gay” images with the word “me” faster than they associated themselves with “straight” images–meaning that they may be secretly gay. Those same people were also the most likely to favor anti-gay policies and opinions. Interesting!

The scientists reported their findings and noted that students in the study who were raised with supportive and open minded parents were the least likely to be homophobic and were more in touch with their implicit sexual orientation–the kind that they don’t talk about or may even realize, but that’s there. (That’s where all those subliminal images come to play!)

The study showed that many of the most homophobic participants are probably struggling with some sexual identity issues of their own and may have been victims of intolerance themselves. And really? That’s just sad.

People often oppose things they don't understand or that they hate in themselves. Homophobes may well be jealous of these two gals acceptance and happiness! | Source: Shutterstock

This sheds a lot of light on bullying, homophobia, and intolerance, doesn’t it? When a bully picks on someone else, it’s often because they have a deep-rooted insecurity within themselves, and knocking someone down is their own way of building themselves up. (And newsflash? It doesn’t work!) Similarly, when someone says horrible things about gay and lesbian people, it may be their own way of trying to suppress their own homosexual urges.

The study is both enlightening and a little heartbreaking. It’s so sad that so many people feel the need to bring others down just because of their own problems, but now that we have evidence that this may be why, it may be easier for everyone to approach the issue. Compassion and understanding are crucial for everyone involved, as difficult as it can seem in the moment when they’re acting ignorant and cruel.

You know that whole “love your enemy” thing? It may just work in cases like this, because it might just be that the enemy’s problem is that they don’t love themselves enough to be honest about who they really are.

Have you ever dealt with homophobia? Do you struggle with your own sexual identity? Do you think homophobia stems from people being secretly gay? Tell us in the comments!

Did You Hear About The Most Controversial Lesbian Kiss Of The Year?

They have some cute stuff! | Source

So, let’s just say that we at Gurl.com have a love-hate relationship with Urban Outfitters. We love some of their clothes and shoes (except for that terrible pro-anorexia shirt they sold a while back) but typically hate the idea of shopping there, because the guy who runs the place has a pretty nasty track-record of being homophobic, sexist, and generally a pretty uncool dude in our book.

If you’re thinking, “No Way!,” here’s your sad-but-true “Yeah Way!“: Back in 2008, Urban Outfitters started selling shirts promoting gay marriage (awesome!) only to stop selling them a week later (BOO!) after radical conservative groups complained. And sadly, that’s not the only bad thing–the CEO sent tons of money (money earned from shoppers like you!) to Rick Santorum’s Presidential campaign. I don’t know if you heard anything about that guy, but he doesn’t believe in equal rights for women, and has called a pregnancy resulting from rape a “gift” from God. Riiiiiight. The CEO of Urban Outfitters actually supported that guy.

This is straight from their April 2012 Catalog

That’s why we were pleasantly surprised when we saw the new Urban Outfitters catalog out this week. In it, there’s a picture of two girls standing alone in a room kissing. Two girls! Kissing! It’s caused quite an outrage with radical conservative groups, including the one who tried to get JC Penney to fire openly gay Ellen DeGeneres from their ad campaign–those ladies do NOT like this Urban Outfitters lesbian kiss–but we find it straight-up refreshing. No, it doesn’t exactly forgive other uncool things Urban Outfitters has done in the past, but it does give us hope that maybe (just maybe) they’re rethinking things and realizing that two people loving each other–regardless of what gender they happen to be–is a cool thing and doesn’t hurt anybody.

Fingers crossed that this is just the first in a line of many, many more open-minded moves from Urban Outfitters. Who knows–maybe they’ll change their ways so much that one day we’ll even want to start shopping there again!

What’s your take on the Urban Outfitters lesbian kiss? Do you think it’s no big deal? Do you shop there even though they’ve done some pretty dodgy stuff in the past? Let us know everything in the comments!

These TV Characters Support Gay Rights, Too!

Beauty, brains, and a book deal? Our kinda gal! | Source

Meghan McCain, blogger, author, and daughter of former Republican presidential nominee John McCain, is back in the headlines today after she appeared in Playboy. No, she wasn’t showing the goods! She was simply speaking out in an interview. While some things she says may be a little provocative (we won’t get into the way she described her own heterosexuality, save to say that it sort of rhymed and was a little dirty), she’s smart, witty, and, honestly, seems like a lot of fun.

She’s come under fire before for some pretty ridiculous things, including her weight. Meghan’s candid about her body issues and realizes that there’s a lot more to her than her size. When asked about her figure, she simply says, “I gained a lot of weight because of Starbucks and Snickers.” Refreshingly honest, no?

She came under scrutiny for wearing this tanktop. Dude, seriously? | Source

When she posted a photo of herself reading an Andy Warhol book, the Internet and media went nuts over the fact that yes, she has boobs. (So do a lot of other people, but only her dad was the Republican nominee for president at the time!) Thankfully, she didn’t back down and buy in to the belief that wearing a tank top makes her a slut. Atta girl!

We mostly dig Meghan because she’s not afraid to speak her mind. She’s an avid supporter of gay rights, even while most of the Republican party isn’t for gay marriage (we’d love to hear her take on this t-shirt!). In addition, despite being pro-life, she also supports birth control. She even came out against her dad’s own party on the issue, saying, “They go on and on about how evil and wrong abortion is, but don’t like to talk about how easy it is to not get pregnant.” Seriously, can we get an amen?! Based on a recent blog entry, we think she and Sandra Fluke would be good pals.

She’s also not afraid to admit when she doesn’t know something. We wish actual politicians would take a lesson from her in candor! In an interview with Rachel Maddow, when asked about the economy, Meghan was remarkably candid. “I didn’t even take Econ in college. I don’t completely understand it so I’d hate to make a comment one way or the other. That’s – truly of all the things – I keep reading and I just don’t understand it.”

Meghan supports her dad, even when she openly disagrees with him. Love! | Source

Our favorite quote from her Playboy interview sums her up beautifully. When asked how the country would be different if her dad were president, Meghan said, “You would have the craziest first daughter ever, who’d be making ridiculous headlines and hurting the administration every step of the way.”

Do you like Meghan McCain? Have you ever openly disagreed with your parents but still loved them? Who’s your favorite first daughter? Let us know in the comments!
 
 

Want More Reasons To Love Meghan? We’ve Got ‘Em!

Emily and Maya, Pretty Little Liars

Source: prettylittleliars-amanda.blogspot.com

While Emily may have a lot of dirty little secrets to keep, her love life isn’t one of them. Look at how happy she and her lady look!

Kurt and Blaine, Glee

Source: GleeForum.com

Okay, seriously. How cute and dreamy are these two? Imagine the duets at their wedding.

Blair Waldorf, Gossip Girl

Source: Fanpop.com

Blair’s parents split up after her father revealed he was gay. While Prop 8’s overturn may not help her dramatic love life at all, it should provide her with some joy for her dad.
 
 

Rickie Vasquez, My So-Called Life

Source: IGN.com

Rickie Vasquez, Angela Chase’s bestie, is more comfortable in the girls’ room sharing eyeliner than at home, where he’s physically abused by his uncle. Had this monumental gay rights milestone happened in the 90’s, chances are Rickie would’ve had an easier time being accepted.

Thirteen, House

Source: Screened.com

Openly bisexual and more than happy to talk about her exploits with Dr. House and their team, Thirteen will likely be happy at the news she may eventually be able to marry – that is, if she ever wants to settle down.

Alicia Florrick, The Good Wife

Source: deborarte.blogspot.com

Alicia Florrick’s brother Owen is gay, while her somewhat-estranged, badass best friend, Kalinda Sharma, is bisexual. Maybe this celebration is cause for a reunion!

Sailor Uranus and Sailor Neptune, Sailor Moon

Source: Fanpop.com

While they were cousins in the English version of the cartoon, in the original Japanese series, the superheroines were actually a lesbian couple with really great hair. Who knew?

Josh and Emily, Being Human

Source: Fanpop.com

Josh’s sister revealed she was a lesbian when she was a patient at the hospital where he works. He’ll be thrilled to have one less issue on his (sometimes bloody) hands!

Bill Forbes, The Vampire Diaries

Source: Boomtron.com

If Bill were still alive, we’re sure Caroline and he would have a lot to talk about regarding the parallels between his attitude towards vampires and society’s attitudes toward homosexuality.

Danny, Teen Wolf

Source: AfterElton.com

We expect a lot of high fives from his lacrosse teammates.

Stewie Griffin, Family Guy

Source: michaelandsuch.4t.com

Though he’s only an infant, we learn that Stewie is bisexual. Maybe with his increasing freedoms, he’ll be less homicidal – but then he’d also be a lot less fun to watch!

Are you happy to see Prop 8 overturned? Let us know in the comments!

Wanna Make The Perfect Mix? Here’s How!

prop 8 decision

Check out Miley's new tat.

Our gURL Miley  is no stranger to ink.

But her latest tattoo, an equal sign on the side of her ring finger, might have some special meaning for the singer.

People reports that Miley’s new ink, which she tweeted about on Friday with the caption “all love is equal”,  is Miley’s way of showing support for gay marriage and equal rights.

What do you gURLs think? Is this Miley’s way of showing support? And do you like that she made such a permanent statement about it? Do you have any ink that shows your support for a cause? Discuss!